What are the main implications of the coronavirus outbreak for the global B2C E-Commerce?

How did COVID-19 affect online sales of groceries and FMCG in different countries worldwide?

How is the pandemic changing the way consumers shop?

What are online retailers' expectations with regard to the impact of the coronavirus on their businesses?

How does the outbreak of COVID-19 influence the development of digital payment methods?

Key findings:

COVID-19 pandemic has major impact on global B2C E-Commerce

Stay at home mandates due to COVID-19 propel an increase in online shopping

As consumers in various locations around the world are encouraged or ordered to stay at home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, they are turning to online shopping to fulfill basic needs. Consumers’ shopping and payment behaviors are changing amidst the rapid spread of the virus and the lockdown orders adopted in a growing number of countries as a measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. The yStats.com report includes the observations of E-Commerce merchants on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their revenues and operations and their expectations of near-future consequences. The online sales of groceries, daily necessities, health products and some electronics have surged as consumers in many countries around the world choose or are required to stay at home amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Current data included in the yStats report from China suggest that the shift to online shopping may be a permanent change of practice.

E-Commerce share of retail sales on the rise amidst the coronavirus

While the volume of fast-moving consumer goods (FMGG) has spiked globally, not all product categories are benefiting from the coronavirus concerns. The yStats.com publication cites expectations of retailers of an overall decrease in online revenues as consumers forego the purchase of higher priced luxury items as well as apparel and accessories due to uncertainty about the global economy. Online purchases of travel arrangements and airfare have plummeted leading to lost revenue for hotels, airlines and online travel agencies. Even in areas of Asia just beginning to return to a semblance of normalcy after the worst of the COVID-19 has apparently passed, recovery of online sales as well as total retail is suppressed, with the E-Commerce share of total sales increasing.

COVID-19 drives an increase in the number online payments

While it is still early to report any long-term change in the payment preferences, one of the consequences of COVID-19 might be the reduction of the use of cash, both in-store and for payment on delivery of goods ordered online. The number of digital and contactless payments has increased as consumers avoid touching currency that could potentially carry the virus. Nevertheless, the yStats.com report points out that the surge in online transactions involving FMCG is likely to be offset by the loss of higher-ticket travel transactions, resulting in a potential fall in overall payment transaction volume. Several payments industry leaders have revised downward their revenue expectations for the first quarter of the year.

3.5. Thailand

Share of Food Delivery App Users Who Use These Services Due To Fear of COVID-19, in %, by Generation, March 2020

4. Europe

4.1. Regional

Current Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic on E-Commerce Businesses According to E-Commerce Associations and Industry Participants, March 2020

Growth in Traffic to Education Information and Family & Youth Education Websites and Apps During the Lockdown, by Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK, in %, March 16-22 Compared to December 30, 2019 – January 5, 2020

4.2. UK

Breakdown of Perceived Change in Online Shopping for Selected Categories Due to COVID-19, in % of Adults, March 11 and March 25, 2020

Consumer Expectations Regarding Their Shopping Behavior After COVID-19 Is Over, in %, March 2020

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Quotes of our customers

As a company that operates on a global level, the research results that yStats.com provides represent significant added benefit for us. The comprehensive analyses are executed quickly and flexibly. Furthermore, they are a reliable resource for helping us to make strategic decisions.

The valuable market insights that we obtain from yStats.com’s reports are easy to digest, up-to-date and cost efficient compared to buying multiple reports from elsewhere or researching the data in-house. We really value the regular updates and personalized summaries, as well as access to our dedicated account manager so we can easily ask for further information or clarifications. Searching for topics via the website and then being able to download the reports in PowerPoint as well as PDF formats means the service is extremely easy to use and saves us lots of time.

Rachel Bale, Vice President, Global Merchant Development – Mastercard

For us at Ingenico ePayments, the reports in yStats.com’s Full Access subscription are a great tool to gain insights into the global and regional E-Commerce markets. The accuracy and depth of their data allows for efficient research, even in often very specific payments topics. For us, yStats.com’s products are complementary to in-house and other market data to ensure a more complete view of the global markets.

Global License

Quotes of our customers

As a company that operates on a global level, the research results that yStats.com provides represent significant added benefit for us. The comprehensive analyses are executed quickly and flexibly. Furthermore, they are a reliable resource for helping us to make strategic decisions.

The valuable market insights that we obtain from yStats.com’s reports are easy to digest, up-to-date and cost efficient compared to buying multiple reports from elsewhere or researching the data in-house. We really value the regular updates and personalized summaries, as well as access to our dedicated account manager so we can easily ask for further information or clarifications. Searching for topics via the website and then being able to download the reports in PowerPoint as well as PDF formats means the service is extremely easy to use and saves us lots of time.

Rachel Bale, Vice President, Global Merchant Development – Mastercard

For us at Ingenico ePayments, the reports in yStats.com’s Full Access subscription are a great tool to gain insights into the global and regional E-Commerce markets. The accuracy and depth of their data allows for efficient research, even in often very specific payments topics. For us, yStats.com’s products are complementary to in-house and other market data to ensure a more complete view of the global markets.